In May 1854, the command of Petropavlovsk learned of the English troops' plans to storm the city. In response, the garrison began urgent preparations for defense. Among the defenders were sailors who faced a problem: they did not know how to fight on land and looked like frightened partisans in loose formation.

Training the sailors was taken on by Captain 1st Rank Alexander Pavlovich Arbuza. First, he began teaching them to handle a bayonet. The task was to run up to a sack of straw and, dodging blows, accurately strike the 'enemy.' The sailors managed this, but actions in loose formation were difficult for them. Arbuza found a creative approach: before training, he invited young peasant girls to the field, not warning them that it was a 'training ground.' The sailors were given the task of acting stealthily and skillfully hiding behind any cover. If even one girl noticed the creeping warrior, the task was considered a failure. This method proved effective.

The sailors learned to understand each other without words, and the training turned into a game. Everyone aimed to quietly 'capture' some beauty. Later, Captain Arbuza wrote that this kept the team's spirits high, and thoughts of the upcoming difficulties did not cloud their minds. After the maneuvers, the sailors would go with their 'enemies' to the huts, where they drank tea, sang, and danced.

Arbuza's training turned out to be quite effective. During the second assault on Petropavlovsk, his squad approached the battery occupied by the English unnoticed and, with shouts of 'hurrah,' charged into a bayonet attack. In retreat, the English lost 32 soldiers, 7 officer sabers, and a flag. Thus, the peasant girls played their part in saving the city.